Saddle tee

ABSTRACT

An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A saddle tee is a device that is used to branch a conduit off of a mainline. In other words, a saddle tee enables a secondary line to beconnected to a main line. A conventional saddle tee includes a main unitthat is placed around the main line and a piercing mechanism that isdriven into the main line surrounded by the main unit.

Unfortunately, conventional saddle tees suffer from a number ofdisadvantages. For example, driving the piercing mechanism into the mainline can be time consuming and tiring. Further, securing the main unitaround the main line can be time consuming and often requires a user toclear a significant amount of space around the main line in order toproperly access the main line. Also, when fluid pressure enters thepiercing mechanism, the piercing mechanism can become loose, potentiallycreating leaks or even dislodging the piercing mechanism from the mainline.

Accordingly, an improved saddle tee that resolves one or more of thelimitations discussed above is desirable. The saddle tee disclosedherein resolves one or more of these concerns.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed saddle tee includes a base unit having a body defining anopening for receiving a tap to pierce a main line. The base unit alsoincludes interlocking arcuate jaws for securing the base unit to a mainline.

The tap defines a passageway and includes a tapered end. The tapered endincludes an aperture in fluid communication with the passageway. The tapmay also include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface. Thetool interface also interfaces with a power tool, such as a drill or animpact driver. Rotation of the power tool is translated through the toolinterface to the tap, enabling the tap to be rapidly driven into themain line.

The shaped portion of the tap comprises a throat defining a portion ofthe passageway. Alternatively, the shaped portion may be a shapedprotrusion on a first end of the tap, which is generally opposite thetapered end of the tap. In the case of a shaped protrusion, the toolinterface could be a socket and an adapter for translating rotation of apower driver, or other power tool or a ratchet wrench, to rotate of thesocket. The shaped portion of the tap may be embodied in a number ofdifferent ways and may comprise, for example, a shape for receiving ahexagonal or Allen wrench type tool interface.

One embodiment of the disclosed saddle tee includes mating interfacesurfaces. A first interface surface on the base unit has a series oflinearly aligned ridges. A second interface surface on a shoulder of atap mates with the first interface to limit rotation of the tap relativeto the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit. Whenthe first interface is aligned and seated on the second interface, athreshold level of torque is required to rotate the tap relative to thebase unit. The threshold level of torque, in one embodiment, is inexcess of that which is likely to be reached without human intervention.In one embodiment, when the second interface surface is aligned andseated on the first interface surface, opposing apertures in the taperedof the tap are aligned to flow within the main line to facilitate fluidflow through the tap.

In one embodiment of the saddle tee, the base unit includes a first anda second arcuate interlocking jaw. A first arcuate interlocking jawincludes a first contact end, a first contact surface proximate thefirst contact end, a first interlocking end, and a first pivot disposedbetween the first contact end and the first interlocking end. The baseunit further includes a second arcuate interlocking jaw that includes asecond contact end, a second contact surface proximate the secondcontact end, a second interlocking end, and a second pivot disposedbetween the second contact end and the second interlocking end. When thefirst and second interlocking jaws are positioned around the main line,the first and second interlocking ends properly interlock if the firstinterlocking end is positioned closer to the main line than the secondinterlocking end.

In an open state, the first and second arcuate interlocking jaws definea receiving cavity for receiving the main line. The first contactsurface is positioned more remote from the body of the base unit thanthe second contact surface, i.e., the first contact surface is offsetfrom the second contact surface. This enables the first arcuateinterlocking jaw to contact the main line first as the main line ispositioned into the receiving cavity. As a result, the firstinterlocking arcuate jaw rotates and positions about the main linefirst. Thereafter, a second arcuate interlocking jaw is positioned aboutthe main line.

This sequence of events, resulting from the offset position of the firstand second contact surfaces facilitates securing the arcuateinterlocking jaws around the main line because the first interlockingend will position about on the main line first followed by the secondinterlocking end. The sequential positioning of the interlocking endsenables the interlocking ends to properly mate, securing the arcuateinterlocking jaws around the main line without the need to manuallyadjust or interlock the interlocking ends. If the second interlockingjaw positioned about the main line first, the interlocking ends will notproperly mate, requiring the user to manually align or interlock theinterlocking ends. Thus, the design of the offset contact surfacessignificantly facilitates installation of the base unit onto the mainline.

In one embodiment, the tap includes a fitting with a gripping mechanismthat grasps an end of a conduit with a smooth outer surface—withoutannular grooves, annular flanges, or annular beads—to secure the conduitwithin the fitting. Further, the tap and base unit may include raisedtext indicating the size of pipe with which the tap or base unit iscapable of interfacing. With respect to the tap, the raised text mayfurther comprise a reinforcing rib to strengthen the tap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other featuresand advantages of the invention are readily understood, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of saddle teeincluding a base unit and a tap having a threaded fitting, showntogether with a tool interface and a main line;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a saddle tee and a tap,illustrating a first interface surface shown on a base unit and a secondmating interface surface on a tap;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a saddle tee having the tap fullyinserted within a base unit shown with the base unit being secured to amain line;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a tap for a saddletee with a interface tool disposed within a passageway of the tap;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tap for asaddle tee with a shaped protrusion for interfacing with an interfacetool;

FIGS. 5A-C provide top views of the various types of shaped portions,each shaped portion comprising a throat defining a portion of thepassageway;

FIG. 6A-C illustrate top views of various embodiments of a shapedprotrusion of a tap;

FIGS. 7A-C are sectional views of the base unit that illustrate arcuateinterlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line in an open,intermediate, and a locked or closed state; and

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a tap for a saddle tee including afitting for securing a conduit to the tap without the use of tools.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be bestunderstood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts aredesignated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understoodthat the components of the present invention, as generally described andillustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in awide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following moredetailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, asrepresented in FIGS. 1 through 8, is not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention.

As used herein, the term “in fluid communication with” means that fluid,if present, could pass from a first identified fluid passageway, object,opening, or aperture to a second fluid passageway, object, opening, oraperture. This term does not require that fluid be actually presentwithin any of the identified fluid passageways, objects, openings, orapertures.

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a saddle tee 102, including abase unit 104 and a tap 106, shown with a tool interface 108 and a mainline 110. The saddle tee 102 is utilized to branch a conduit from a mainline 110 or, in other words, to create a conduit from a main line 110.As used in this application, a conduit could be a pipe, fitting,sprinkler, sprinkler drain, or any other type of device or product thatcould be secured to a pipe or utilized in a sprinkling system.

In overview, the base unit 104 is attached to the main line 110 bypositioning the main line 110 within a receiving cavity 112 defined by apair of arcuate interlocking jaws 114 a-b of the base unit 104. The tap106 is inserted into an opening 116 in the base unit 104. A toolinterface 108 is inserted into or onto a shaped portion (shown, e.g., inFIG. 4A or 4B) of the tap 106. A power tool (not shown) may be used torotate the tool interface 108 thereby causing the tap 106 to rotate anddriving it into the main line 110.

As indicated above, the base unit 104 includes an opening 116 forreceiving the tap 106. The base unit 104 also includes arcuateinterlocking jaws 114 a-b for securing the base unit 104 to the mainline 110. The opening 116 of the base unit 104 includes internal threads122 for interfacing with external threads 124 on the tap 106. In analternative embodiment (not shown), the tap 106 could include acup-shaped cap with inward facing threads that mate with outward facingthreads on an outer surface of the base unit 104. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that the base unit 104 may be made from a number ofdifferent materials, such as a polymer, a plastic, a metal, acombination thereof, or any other suitable material.

The tap 106 defines a passageway 126 and also includes a first end 128and a second, or tapered, end 130. The second, or tapered, end 130includes at least one aperture 132 in fluid communication with thepassageway 126. The tap 106 may include one or more apertures 132. Inone embodiment, the apertures 132 are disposed on opposing sides of thesecond, or tapered, end 130 of the tap 106 to allow fluid to more freelyflow through the main line 110 and through the tap 106 when the tap 106is properly oriented within the base unit 104.

The tap 106 may optionally include wings 134 that make it easier to holdthe tap 106 and also allow for manual rotation of the tap 106. The tap106, like the base unit 104, may be made from a number of differentmaterials, such as a polymer, a plastic, a metal, a combination thereof,or any other suitable material.

The tap 106 also includes external threads 124 for mating with the baseunit 104. The external threads 124 may be embodied, for example, as aseries of protrusions, as shown in FIG. 1, or may be embodied as acontinuous thread.

The tap 106 may also include a shaped portion (shown, e.g., in FIGS. 4Aand 4B) for receiving a tool interface 108. As will be explained ingreater detail in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B, the tool interface108 may interface with the shaped portion (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) ofthe tap 106. The tool interface 108 is shaped not only to interface withthe tap 106, but also to interface with a power tool (not shown) or anadaptor for a power tool. The power tool may comprise a driver, impactdriver, power drill, or any other power tool that can cause the toolinterface 108 to rotate, and hence, can cause the tap 106 to rotate. Thetool interface 108 could be made from a metal material, such as an alloyor other suitable material.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a fitting 120 for securing a conduit (not shown)to the tap 106. The illustrated fitting 120 includes internal threads125 defined by the tap 106. The fitting 120 is opposite the tapered end103 of the tap 106.

With reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the saddle tee 102, the tap106, and base unit 104 may include mating interface surfaces 136 a-b.Each interface surface 136 a-b includes a series of linearly alignedridges 138. These 138 ridges mate when the tap 106 is fully insertedinto the base unit 104. A first interface surface 136 a is positioned onthe base unit 104, while the second interface surface 136 b ispositioned on a shoulder 140 of the tap 106.

When the second interface surface 136 b aligns and seats on the firstinterface surface 136 a, a threshold level of torque is required tounseat and rotate the tap 106 relative to the base unit 104. The firstinterface surface 136 a aligns and seats on the second interface surface136 b to limit rotation of the tap 106 relative to the base unit 104.The threshold level of torque is in excess of that which is likely to bereached without human intervention. In other words, when the firstinterface surface 136 a is aligned and seated on the second interfacesurface 136 b, it is unlikely that the tap 106 will inadvertently rotateout of the base unit 104 without human intervention. For example, forcescreated by fluid flow through the main line 110 (shown in FIG. 1) andtap 106 or forces exerted by soil on the tap 106 will generally beinsufficient to unseat the tap 106 from the base unit 104.

Furthermore, the linearly aligned ridges 138 have an additional benefit.In particular, the ridges 138 indicate to a user when the tap 106 isproperly seated and aligned, or, in other words, fully inserted into thebase unit 104. When the second interface surface 136 b of the tap 106 isproperly aligned and seated on first interface surface 136 a of the baseunit 104, apertures 132 in the tapered end 130 of the tap 106 align withthe flow within the main line 110 (shown in FIG. 1) to facilitate fluidflow through the tap 106.

It should be noted here that the linearly aligned ridges 138 may beembodied in a number of different ways. As illustrated in FIG. 2, thelinearly aligned ridges 138 are solid ridges. The ridges 138 may beembodied, for example, as a series of intermittent peaks or any othertype of relief feature that causes the tap 106 to align and seat withthe base unit 104.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tap 106, base unit 104, and main line110. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tap 106 is fully inserted into thebase unit 104. The interface surfaces 136 a-b are shown in an alignedand seated position. Also, the arcuate interlocking jaws 114 a-b areshown in a closed, or locked position, being securely fastened aroundthe main line 110.

As shown, the tap 106 has pierced the main line 110. In other words, thetap 106 has been driven into the main line 110 and is in penetratingengagement with the main line 110. Fluid may thus pass from the mainline 110 through the aperture(s) 132 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and intothe passageway 126 (shown in FIG. 1) of the tap 106 and vice versa. Inthis condition, a branching type relationship exists between the tap 106and the main line 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the size (e.g., diameter) of the conduit withwhich the fitting 120 of the tap 106 is capable of interfacing is shownin raised text 142 on the side of the tap 106. This raised text 142makes it easy for a user to determine the size of conduit (e.g., a pipeor sprinkler) with which the fitting 120 of the tap 106 is capable ofinterfacing, even in dirty conditions. Also, the slash (“/”) acts as areinforcing rib to strengthen the design of the tap 106.

Raised text 143 is also shown on the base unit 104, making it simple forthe end-user to determine the size of the main line 110 with which thebase unit 104 is capable of interfacing. Furthermore, because therelevant size information is shown on the tap 106 and on the base unit104 in raised text 142, 143, the text 142, 143 will not be worn off oreasily obscured or destroyed, as a paper label or ink printing could be.In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the text is sunken or recessedinto the material from which the base unit 104 or tap 106 are made.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate different embodiments of a shaped portion 144, 150for receiving a tool interface 108. In FIG. 4A, a partial cutaway ofboth a tool interface 108 and a tap 106 for receiving the illustratedtool interface 108 are shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, theshaped portion 144 comprises a throat 145 defining a portion of thepassageway 126. The shaped portion 144 of the tap 106 securely receivesthe tool interface 108 such that rotation of the tool interface 108 willcause rotation of the tap 106.

FIG. 4A further illustrates an embodiment of the tap 106 including atleast one wing 134. Of course, embodiments of the tap 106 may include aplurality of wings 134 (e.g., one, two, or four wings) or no wings 134at all.

With reference to FIG. 4B, the illustrated tap 146 includes a first end147 and a second, or tapered, end 130. The first end 147 includes ashaped portion 150. The shaped portion 150 shown in FIG. 4B is a shapedprotrusion 152 on the first end 147 adapted to be positioned within atool interface. In this case, the tool interface could be a socket (notshown) from a ratchet set or a specially made tool interface 108 for theshaped protrusion 152. The tool interface could also include an adaptorconnecting the socket and a power tool or, alternatively, the toolinterface 108 could include an integrated socket and adaptor.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 4B does not include wings 134. However, anembodiment with a shaped protrusion 152, may include a plurality ofwings 134, such as two or four wings 134 located subtending the shapedprotrusion 152.

With reference to both FIGS. 4A and 4B, the shaped portion 144, 150 mayoptionally include wings 134, as indicated above. However, the shapedportion 144, 150 (regardless of the embodiment of the shaped portion144, 150) is separate and distinct from the wings 134, i.e., wings 134do not comprise any part of the shaped portion 144, 150 that receivesthe tool interface 108.

FIGS. 5A-C are top views of a tap 153, 154, 155 utilizing differenttypes of shaped portions 156, 157, 158 comprising a throat 159, 160, 161defining a portion of a passageway 162, 163, 164. In particular, FIG. 5Aillustrates a Robertson, or square shaped throat 159; FIG. 5Billustrates a hex shaped throat 160; and FIG. 5C illustrates a torxshaped throat 161.

Of course, many different types of shaped portions, 156, 157, 158 may beutilized, such as a shaped portion 156, 157, 158 that receives aflathead or slotted, phillips, pozidriv, hex, octagonal, tri-wing,torq-set, spanner head, triple square (XZN) or a proprietary type tool.

FIGS. 6A-C illustrate a number of different types of shaped portions166, 168, 170 in the form of a shaped protrusion 172, 174, 176. Inparticular, FIG. 6A illustrates a hexagonal shaped protrusion 172; FIG.6B illustrates an octagonal shaped protrusion 174; and FIG. 6Cillustrates a square shaped protrusion 176. Once again, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that many different types of shaped portions maybe utilized to interface between an interface tool and power tool. Theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A-C include a pair of optional wings134, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, which has no wings134.

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate a series of cross-sectional views of an embodimentof the base unit 104 shown with a main line 110 being positioned withinthe receiving cavity 112. In particular, FIG. 7A illustrates the arcuateinterlocking jaws 114 a-b in an open state; FIG. 7B illustrates thearcuate interlocking jaws 114 a-b in an intermediate state; and FIG. 7Cillustrates the arcuate interlocking jaws 114 a-b in a closed, orlocked, state.

Each of these figures illustrates the body 177 of the base unit 104,legs 178 a-b of the base unit 104, and a first and second arcuateinterlocking jaw 114 a-b. The first arcuate interlocking jaw 114 aincludes a first contact end 180, a first contact surface 182 proximatethe first contact end 180, a first interlocking end 184, and first pivot186 disposed between the first contact end 180 and the firstinterlocking end 184 where the first leg 178 a meets the first arcuateinterlocking jaw 114 a. The second arcuate interlocking jaw 114 bsimilarly includes a second contact end 188, a second contact surface190 proximate the second contact end 188, a second interlocking end 192,and second pivot 194 disposed between the second contact end 188 and thesecond interlocking end 192 where the second leg 178 b meets the secondinterlocking jaw 114 b. A receiving cavity 112 is defined by the firstand second interlocking arcuate jaws 114 a-b.

With reference to FIG. 7A, which shows the jaws 114 a-b in an openstate, the main line 110 has not been introduced into the receivingcavity 112. In this state, the first contact surface 182 is more remotefrom the base unit 104 than a second contact surface 190, i.e., adistance 198 between the body 177 of the base unit 104 and the firstcontact surface 182 is greater than the distance 200 between the body177 of the base unit 104 and the second contact surface 190. This offsetorientation of the first and second contact surfaces 182, 190significantly facilitates the use of the saddle tee 102, as will beexplained below.

FIG. 7B shows the intermediate state of the interlocking jaws 114 a-b.When the main line 110 is introduced into the receiving cavity 112, themain line 110 will impact the first contact surface 182 before impactingthe second contact surface 190. This causes the first arcuateinterlocking jaw 114 a to rotate and position about the main line 110before the second arcuate interlocking jaw 114 b moves into positionabout the main line 110, as shown in FIG. 7B.

With respect to FIG. 7C, the first and second interlocking jaws 114 a-bare shown in a closed, or locked, state. As the main line 110 ispositioned further within the receiving cavity 112, the second arcuateinterlocking jaw 114 b moves into position about the main line 110. Thefirst and second interlocking ends 184, 192 contact and are interlocked.The first interlocking end 184 is positioned first and proximate themain line 110 and then the second interlocking end 192 moves intoabutting engagement with a remote surface 201 of the first interlockingend 184 causing the first and second interlocking ends 184, 192 tointerlock. If the second interlocking end 192 positions adjacent themain line 110 first, the interlocking ends 184, 192 will not interlock,forcing the user to manually manipulate or alter the interlocking jaws114 a-b in order to lock the base unit 104 around the main line 110.

The offset configuration of the contact surfaces 182, 190 of the arcuateinterlocking jaws 114 a-b significantly facilitates and enhances theoperation of the base unit 104. For example, a user could install thebase unit 104 on a main line 110 where there is little or no spacecleared around the main line 110. By pushing the base unit 104 onto themain line 110, the first and second interlocking ends 114 a-b will movein the desired sequence and be properly positioned to enable them tointerlock without manual adjustment. This configuration savessignificant time, for example, because the user does not need to clearout the dirt, or much dirt, around the main line 110, significantlydecreasing the installation time of the base unit 104.

Further, the first and second arcuate interlocking jaws 114 a-b areshaped to compress and to deform the main line 110 into a generallyelliptical shape 202 when the first and second arcuate interlocking jaws114 a-b are in a locked state. Placing the main line 110 in thisconfiguration readies the proximate portion 204 of the main line 110 forpiercing by the tap 106, similar to how a taut piece of fabric can moreeasily be pierced than a slack piece of fabric.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the tap 205. In particular, the tap205 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a non-threaded type of fitting 206for coupling the tap 205 to a conduit (not shown), such as a sprinkler,or pipe without the use of tools.

The embodiment of FIG. 8 illustrates a fitting 206 which may be securedto a conduit that has a smooth outer surface without annular grooves,annular flanges, or annular beads, all without the use of tools oradhesives. The illustrated fitting 206 includes a gripping mechanism208, such as the teeth 210 illustrated in FIG. 8, to grasp the end ofthe conduit and secure the conduit (not shown) within the fitting 206.Other embodiments of this type of fitting 206 may be utilized, such asthose disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,672 to Ericksen et. al., entitledIrrigation Coupling Apparatus and Method, which is herein incorporatedby this reference.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by theforegoing description. All changes that come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A saddle tee for use in branching a conduit from amain line using a tool interface, the saddle tee comprising: a base unitdefining an opening for receiving a tap, said base unit comprisinginterlocking jaws for securing the base unit to the main line, said baseunit further comprising: a body; a first arcuate interlocking jawcomprising a first contact end, a first contact surface proximate thefirst end, a first interlocking end, and a first pivot disposed betweenthe first contact end and the first interlocking end; a second arcuateinterlocking jaw comprising a second contact end, a second contactsurface proximate the second contact end, a second interlocking end, anda second pivot disposed between the second contact end and the secondinterlocking end; and in an open state, the first and second arcuateinterlocking jaws defining a receiving cavity for receiving the mainline, the first contact surface being positioned more remote from thebody of the base unit than the second contact surface; and a tapdefining a passageway, the tap comprising: a tapered end having anaperture in fluid communication with the passageway; a fitting oppositethe tapered end; and a shaped portion for receiving the tool interfacefor rotating the tap to drive the tap into penetrating engagement withthe main line, the shaped portion being separate and distinct from anywing that may be present on the tap.
 23. The saddle tee of claim 22,wherein the tap further comprises at least one wing.
 24. The saddle teeof claim 22, wherein the shaped portion comprises a throat defining aportion of the passageway.
 25. The saddle tee of claim 22, wherein thetap comprises a first end generally opposite the tapered end, the shapedportion comprising a shaped protrusion on the first end adapted to bepositioned within the tool interface.
 26. The saddle tee of claim 25,wherein the first and second arcuate jaws are shaped to deform the mainline into a generally elliptical cross-sectional shape when the firstand second arcuate jaws are positioned about the main line in a lockedstate.
 27. The saddle tee of claim 22, wherein the base unit furthercomprises a first interface surface having a series of linearly alignedridges, and wherein the tap further comprises a shoulder having a secondinterface surface that aligns and seats on the first interface surfaceto limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap isfully inserted into the base unit.
 28. The saddle tee of claim 22,wherein the fitting comprises a gripping mechanism that grasps an end ofa conduit without annular grooves, annular flanges, or annular beads tosecure the end of the conduit within the fitting.
 29. The saddle tee ofclaim 22, wherein the base unit further comprises raised textidentifying a size of the main line with which the base is capable ofinterfacing.
 30. The saddle tee of claim 22, wherein the tap furthercomprises raised text identifying a size of the conduit with which thetap is capable of interfacing, the raised text further comprising areinforcement rib.
 31. A saddle tee for use in branching a conduit froma main line, the saddle tee comprising: a base unit having a bodydefining an opening for receiving a tap and further comprising: a firstarcuate interlocking jaw comprising a first contact end, a first contactsurface proximate the first contact end, a first interlocking end, and afirst pivot disposed between the first contact end and the firstinterlocking end; a second arcuate interlocking jaw comprising a secondcontact end, a second contact surface proximate the second contact end,a second interlocking end, and a second pivot disposed between thesecond contact end and the second interlocking end; and in an openstate, the first and second arcuate interlocking jaws defining areceiving cavity for receiving the main line, the first contact surfacebeing positioned more remote from the body of the base unit than thesecond contact surface; and a tap defining a passageway, the tapcomprising a tapered end having an aperture in fluid communication withthe passageway.
 32. The saddle tee of claim 31, wherein as the first andsecond arcuate interlocking jaws are moveable between an open state anda locked state in response to positioning the main line within thereceiving cavity, the first interlocking end is positioned closer to themain line than the second interlocking end to enable the first andsecond interlocking ends to properly mate without manually adjusting thefirst and second interlocking ends.
 33. The saddle tee of claim 31,wherein as the main line is partially positioned within the receivingcavity, the first arcuate interlocking jaw pivots to position about themain line before the second arcuate interlocking jaw pivots to positionabout the main line in response to the main line contacting the firstcontact surface before the main line contacts the second contactsurface.
 34. The saddle tee of claim 31, wherein when a main line isfully positioned within the receiving cavity, the first arcuateinterlocking jaw and second arcuate interlocking jaw are positionedabout the main line, the first and second interlocking ends being in alocked state with the first interlocking end being positioned closer tothe main line than the second interlocking end without manuallyadjusting the first and second interlocking ends.
 35. The saddle tee ofclaim 31, wherein the first and second arcuate jaws are shaped to deformthe main line into a generally elliptical shape when the first andsecond arcuate jaws are in a locked state.
 36. The saddle tee of claim31, wherein the body defines female threads surrounding the opening forinterfacing with male threads on the tap.
 37. The saddle tee of claim31, wherein the tap comprises a fitting with a gripping mechanism thatgrasps an end of a conduit without annular grooves, annular flanges, orannular beads to secure the end of the conduit within the fitting. 38.The saddle tee of claim 31, wherein the tap comprises a fitting withfemale threads for receiving a conduit.
 39. A saddle tee for use inbranching a conduit from a main line, the saddle tee comprising: a baseunit defining an opening for receiving a tap, the base unit comprising afirst interface surface having a series of linearly aligned ridges andfurther comprising interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to themain line; and a tap defining a passageway, the tap comprising: a firstend having a shoulder including a second interface surface that alignsand seats on the first interface surface to limit rotation of the taprelative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the baseunit such that a threshold level of torque is required to rotate the taprelative to the base unit, the threshold level of torque being in excessof that which is likely to be reached without human intervention; and atapered end having an aperture in fluid communication with thepassageway.
 40. The saddle tee of claim 39, wherein when the secondinterface surface is aligned and seated on the second interface surface,a threshold level of torque is required to rotate the tap relative tothe base unit, the threshold level of torque being in excess of thatwhich is likely to be reached without human intervention.
 41. The saddletee of claim 39, wherein the tap comprises a fitting with a grippingmechanism that grasps an end of a conduit without annular grooves,annular flanges, or annular beads to secure the end of the conduitwithin the fitting.